Canada's top 10 islands

You don't have to head to the Caribbean to explore unique islands. Summertime is the perfect time to explore the best islands right here, across Canada. We list Canada's top 10 most amazing in our gallery. Happy travels! By QMI Agency

Thousand Islands, Ontario: This archipelago at the border of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario contains 1,793 islands. The area is popular among boaters and is sometimes called a fresh water boating capital. (Fotolia)

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Sable Island, Nova Scotia: This island, known for its population of feral horses, is located 180 km southeast of mainland Nova Scotia. As it is protected by the Canada Shipping Act, permission must be obtained from the Canadian Coast Guard to visit. (Shutterstock)

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Bonaventure Island, Quebec: Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this island became a bird sanctuary in 1919. It well known as the home of 293 species of birds, including more than 120,000 gannets. (Shutterstock)

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Vancouver Island, British Columbia: The largest island on the west coast of North America, Vancouver Island is home to B.C.'s capital of Victoria, as well as Nanaimo, Port Alberni and Courtenay. With a population of 740,876, Vancouver Island is the second most populous Canadian island, behind only the Island of Montreal. (Shutterstock)

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Baffin Island, Nunavut: This isle is the largest in Canada and is home to many varieties of wildlife, including the Arctic fox, polar bear, Arctic hare and Arctic wolf. (Shutterstock)

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Manitoulin Island, Ontario: Though just Canada's 31st largest island, it is the world's largest island located in a fresh water lake. (Shutterstock)

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Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia: This island is connected to mainland Nova Scotia by the man-made rock Canso Causeway. One of the world's largest salt water lakes can be found on the island. (Shutterstock)

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Magdalen Islands, Quebec: This archipelago is a popular summer tourist destination for vacationing Quebecers. In the winter, eco-tourists also visit the island to catch a glimpse of the harp seal pups born in mid-February. (Shutterstock)

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Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii, British Columbia: The Queen Charlotte Islands, also known as Haida Gwaii, are an archipelago off the northern coast of B.C. Native art and culture are very prevalent on the island, with tourists being especially interested in the large, cedar totem poles found here. (Shutterstock)

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Prince Edward Island: Canada's smallest province is also the least populated, with 141,000 residents calling the "Gentle Island" home. Anne of Green Gables is the best known, although fictional, resident of Prince Edward Island. Tourists come from around the globe to see her house and experience the island way of life. (Shutterstock)